Medical Center researchers have made several subtle changes in the structure of a key protein, dramatically increasing its ability to drive blood clotting. The findings have implications for the treatment of hemophilia. Read more...

Our Unconscious Brain Makes the Best Decisions Possible

Researchers have shown that the human brain—once thought to be a seriously flawed decision maker—is actually hard-wired to allow us to make the best decisions possible with the information we are given. Read more...

Are You Prepared? Get Tips on Managing Emergencies

The University's emergency Web site features a new section on personal emergency preparedness with tips on how to prepare for and survive emergency situations. The page offers guidelines for putting together a survival kit, caring for pets, and coordinating evacuation plans with family members. Read more...

A Look at Life on Campus

Living "on campus" takes on new meaning as the first Rochester students set up house on the west side of the Genesee.Read more...

University's First Recycling Coordinator Digs in to New Role

Since October, Amy Kadrie has been tackling trash as the University's new recycling coordinator. Read more...

'Looking Fine in 2009' Weight Watchers at Work Program

Weight Watchers at Simon is holding a general information session at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in 243 Gleason Hall for current and new members who would like to start a 17-week session on Jan. 17. The group of staff, faculty, and graduate students meets in Gleason Hall each Wednesday from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The cost is $186 and University employees who attend all 17 sessions get half the fee reimbursed through the Well-U program. For more information or to sign up, e-mail Ann Renica or call her at 275-4881.

Help Sought for Refugees in Rochester

Refugee Student Alliance, a group started by Rochester medical students, is looking for help from the University community. One of the objectives of the group is to establish a network of college students from all colleges in the area, who will help refugees with specific services they need. If you are interested in helping, contact natalia_golub@urmc.rochester.edu. The group also thanks everyone who made a donation to the Refugee Student Alliance and Student National Medical Association Coat Drive. Enough coats, hats, gloves, and scarves were collected for approximately 100 refugees.

Jonathan Burdick, dean of admissions and financial aid, says Rochester's reputation for generous merit aid helps draw applicants. "This is a time when families may be looking at options that are less costly." Read more...

BusinessWeek (Dec. 23)

"Proper Sleep May Help Clear Arteries"

Kathy Parker, dean of the School of Nursing and an expert on sleep disorders, comments on new study results that suggest lack of sleep may increase the risk for developing heart disease. "We know that sleep deprivation does alter the physiology of numerous body systems, so it is not surprising that another health problem, or symptom or sign, should be related to sleep length," Parker says. (Also reported by MSNBC, ABC News, Reuters UK, and others.) Read more...

In Higher Education

Chronicle of Higher Education (Dec. 19)

"Recording Industry Proposes 'Tax' on Students"

Colleges could skirt lawsuits for some students' alleged piracy by charging all of them a flat rate. Warner Music Group is in talks with several universities about this experiment in "voluntary blanket licensing." Read more...